COVID-19 News: Operation American Resolve flyovers set for KLGR-land on Wednesday
Last week, many hospitals in northern and eastern Minnesota got to see military aircraft fly overhead in honor of those working to help keep the COVID-19 pandemic under control
On Wednesday, May 13, it will be southwestern Minnesota’s turn.
The Minnesota National Guard, along with the 934th Air Wing of the Air Force Reserve, will do more statewide flyovers as part of Operation American Resolve.
A combination of F-16 Fighting Falcons and C-130 Hercules aircraft are set to fly over the Mankato Mayo Clinic between 12:15 – 12-30 p.m., and over the New Ulm Medical Center between 12:25 – 12:45 p.m.
Carris Health – Redwood is set for a flyover at approximately 12:30 – 12:50 p.m., followed by the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center between 12:35 – 12:55 p.m.
The planes will fly over the Luverne Veterans Home at about 12:50 – 1:10 p.m., and the Sanford Worthington Medical Center sometime between 1 – 1:30 p.m.
The flights scheduled for Wednesday are the second and likely final part of a statewide effort to recognize health care workers, emergency responders, food industry and other essential workers throughout the state that have done their part to keep the state functioning during the stay at home order.
The aircraft flying these missions will be combinations of F-16 Fighting Falcon and C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing out of Duluth, and the 133rd Airlift Wing out of Fort Snelling in Saint Paul, as well as from the Air Force Reserve’s 934th Airlift Wing.
“Our crews must fly regularly to maintain their proficiency,” said Col. James Cleet, 133rd Airlift Wing Commander, “This is an outstanding way to both train our aircrew and to recognize those in our community that are on the frontline working hard for the citizens of Minnesota.”
These flyovers are incorporated into previously scheduled training missions. There is potential for the times to flex based on the training missions, weather and/or airspace availability. A variance of a few minutes either side of the scheduled time may be unavoidable. If there is a weather delay or cancellation an update to the advisory will be provided.
All times are subject to change. The flyover will also be visible to areas surrounding the flight path, the National Guard recommends rooftops and open areas adjacent to buildings for best view.
